Innovative companies with international ambitions and activities will have better access to available opportunities for support and investment. The regional development companies (ROMs) and Invest International have signed a cooperation agreement to this end. The agreement also includes agreements on knowledge sharing, export funding opportunities and joint trade missions.
As investors, the ROMs are at the cradle of the lion's share of innovative startups in the Netherlands. In 2023, the ROMs (total fund assets € 2.3 billion) invested € 219 million from their own funds in 372 startups, scale-ups and innovative SMEs. Over 50% of the companies that attract venture capital do so partly thanks to an investment from a regional development fund. When startups grow into scale-ups, they often do so in an international context. Invest International can continue to invest at this stage and facilitate international growth. Invest International has its own investment capital of EUR 833 million.
The agreements between the ROMs and Invest International focus on start-ups and scale ups that solve global challenges, such as climate-neutral energy solutions, sustainable food and healthcare innovations. Invest International and the ROMs review which portfolio companies of the regional development companies qualify for international follow-on investment from Invest International. Conversely, Invest International refers companies that are at too early a stage for them to the ROM in that company's region.
"Internationalization, in addition to innovation, is the pillar of the Netherlands' current and future earning power," stated Brigit van Dijk-van de Reijt, general director of the Brabant Development Corporation (BOM), on behalf of ROM-Netherlands. "Invest International's cooperation with the regional development corporations puts us in an even better position to give mission-driven startups, scale-ups and SMEs with internationalization ambitions a flying start and thus increase Dutch earning power abroad."
"A good cooperation between Invest International and regional development companies is crucial to optimally support Dutch companies in their international growth," states Eelco Benink, Head of Equity at Invest International. "Whereas the ROMs are in close contact with the companies in their region, Invest International specializes in funding international expansion and international trade. Together we strengthen the international position, competitiveness and earning power of Dutch companies, and contribute to a sustainable and progressive economy."
In addition to the aforementioned agreements, the agreement also focuses on sharing knowledge between the two parties (including green hydrogen). In addition, Invest International is looking at providing export funding. When companies enter foreign markets this requires risky pre-investments. Furthermore, Invest International and the ROMs will intensify cooperation on joint trade missions.
Marco de Jong, Investment Manager NOM: "NOM sees a lot of potential to finance, within its network, companies with serious international ambitions. Also for the Trade Relations talks that we hold annually with northern companies about the opportunities and possibilities for them abroad, this is a nice instrument to bring to their attention. In doing so, we are happy to seek cooperation with Invest International. "